THE New Year has kick-started further fundraising to build a new community hall.

In September last year, a campaign was launched to raise �1.5 million to replace the current Shefford Town Memorial Hall, which was built off Hitchin Road in the sixties.

The new memorial hall will have sports facilities and a bar area with a balcony to relax and watch outdoor field events.

The current building is used for everything from zumba to carpet bowls, with the grounds used by Shefford Cricket Club, Shefford Saints Football Club and Shefford Bowls Club.

Shefford Town Memorial Association has organised a number of fundraising activities to help raise the funds needed to build the new hall.

On Saturday, February 11, a table top sale will be held at the hall from 9am to 1pm. To book a pitch, at �5, and make money out of your unwanted items, call Linda on 01462 814582. Entry is free for customers and refreshments will be available.

On Friday, February 17, a quiz night will be held at the hall from 7.30pm. Tickets are �3 per person and up to eight people can make up a team. There will be a licensed bar. Call Brenda on 01462 813264.

The Shefford Town Memorial Association is also planning to hold a craft fayre at Easter.

Preparations are also well underway for the Shefford Jubilee Fete, to be held at Shefford Town Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 2.

To celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee, there will be arena events, stalls, steam engines, swing boats, tug of war, a beer tent and barbeque.

The day’s events will culminate with a sixties night in the hall, with group Time Machine.

The organisers are looking for organisations to run their own stalls on the day for a charity of their choice, as well as companies to put together teams of eight to take part in the tug of war.

They are also looking for contestants for a Have You a Talent? competition.

Shefford jubilee princesses will be crowned on the day and the organisers are looking for past Shefford princesses to take part in a parade. Were you one of them?

If you want to get involved in any way, call Brenda on 01462 813264 or Edith on 07761829500 or email stma@btconnect.com

All proceeds from the day will be put towards the new build fund.